Red Andrews Dinner 2020 to be held at satellite locations throughout Oklahoma City
Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
OKLAHOMA CITY – Due to the COVID –19 virus, the 2020 Red Andrew Christmas Dinner
will be held at satellite locations throughout Oklahoma City. No indoor dining. All food will be packaged in to-go boxes, delivered to your car along with toys for children. The event is free and open to the public.
Each year, members of the Red Andrews family, local community leaders, and event volunteers serve warm meals and provide toys for those in need – a holiday tradition that has continued since the 1940s.
“Last year we fed approximately 7,000 people, gave away thousands of toys and coats,” said Mary Blankenship Pointer, Red Andrews board secretary/treasurer. “The Red Andrews’ Christmas Dinner is our gift to the community. Due to the economic environment, the needs are greater this year than ever.” (redandrewsdinner.org)
Organizers are also asking for donations of coats of all sizes.
“Last year we gave away hundreds of much needed coats to children and adults,” Pointer said. “Many times, the adults will sacrifice to get coats for their children.”
Beginning Tuesday, December 1, donations of new, unwrapped toys and coats will be accepted at the following locations: Jackie Cooper BMW (https://www.cooperbmw.com/) – 14145 N Broadway in Edmond; the Goldman Law Firm (https://ift.tt/35H5VTF) – 222 NW 13th Street;
Cort Furniture (https://ift.tt/32WbOdR) – 4300 NW 39th Street; and Frontier State Bank (https://ift.tt/2K9mC1J) – 5100 S. I-35 Service Road.
“It has been incredible to witness Oklahomans working together in the spirit of serving our neighbors,” added Pointer. “We are all united in that we recognize what a highly-valued and impactful event this has been on the community for many decades.”
Monetary donations should be made payable to the Red Andrews’ Christmas Dinner Foundation, attention Mary Blankenship Pointer, and mailed to 2513 Southwest 124th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73170.
“Serving at the Red Andrews’ Christmas Dinner has changed my life forever,” Pointer said. “A young boy with tears in his eyes said that he had been good all year. “Unfortunately, when he got up Christmas morning Santa did not leave a gift under the tree for him. Later, he was thrilled to see Santa and receive a toy at the Red Andrews’ Dinner,” Pointer said.
Volunteers are needed to help prepare food and to-go boxes on Wednesday, December 23, and to serve on Christmas Eve (Thursday) and Christmas Day (Friday).
“We need approximately 200 volunteers,” said Pointer.
Oklahoma City satellite locations for Christmas meal distribution are as follows:
The Homeless Alliance
1724 N.W. 4th Street
Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(homelessalliance.org)
St. James Catholic School
4201 S. McKinley Avenue
Friday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day 1 – 3 p.m.
(https://stjamesokc.com/)
Northeast Community Center
3815 N. Kelley Avenue
Friday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(https://ift.tt/38ShXvB)
First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City
1201 N. Robinson Avenue
Friday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(https://fbcokc.org/)
“We have been working hard to provide a safe dinner for the community,” said Pointer. “No inside dining, to-go food only. It will look different, but that is okay. Safety first.”
For more information, contact Mary. Pointer at 405-886-2886. [email protected] or visit redandrewsdinner.org
Red Andrews Dinner 2020 to be held at satellite locations throughout Oklahoma City Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this month, Tamya Cox-Touré was named the next Executive Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma taking the organization into a new era of leadership.
ACLU-OK announced last February that after more than eight years at the helm, former Executive Director Ryan Kiesel would be stepping down from leading the organization.
Kiesel’s final day, initially announced as the end of the 2020 Legislative Session, was extended to the beginning of October, after the country was hit with the COVID global pandemic. The additional time allowed the ACLU of Oklahoma Board of Directors to complete an extensive search to fill the Executive Director role.
“Tamya's proven leadership in our community and at the Capitol coupled with her tenacity for equity and justice makes her the perfect fit as our next Executive Director,” said Sarah Adams-Cornell, Board President for the ACLU of Oklahoma.
“We are incredibly lucky to have her leading the ACLU of Oklahoma and I'm looking forward to the coalition building she will bring to our affiliate.”
Cox-Touré served as the first Legislative Counsel for the ACLU of Oklahoma. She graduated with an undergrad degree from Oklahoma State University and went on to continue her education at Oklahoma City University School of Law.
Prior to joining the ACLU of Oklahoma, Tamya worked for Planned Parenthood Great Plains where she served as Regional Director of Public Policy and Organizing, overseeing the Public Affairs departments in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Cox-Touré is committed to civil rights and civil liberties, says Sarah. She has traveled across the state and country speaking directly to communities on issues that impact their daily lives, as well as presenting on numerous panels covering a variety of topics, including race equity, according to the organization’s press release.
“I am honored to be the next leader of the ACLU of Oklahoma,” Tamya said. “In a way, it feels like I’m coming home. The legacies of past executive directors and the hard work of the staff are testaments to the significant impact this organization makes in the community.
“I hope to build off those successes, knowing the importance of the ACLU of Oklahoma is now more evident than ever,” Cox-Touré continued. “We must reform our criminal legal system, provide barrier-free abortion access, hold law enforcement accountable, protect our LGBTQ2S+ community and prevent government overreach at all costs.
“The ACLU will continue to be on the front line ensuring all Oklahomans have access to the rights afforded to them by the US and Oklahoma Constitutions,” she added.
Tamya is married to Jabari Touré, son of Opio Touré (https://ift.tt/38Q9CIR), the former Oklahoma legislator, attorney and civil rights legend. In 2002, Opio was the recipient of ACLU of Oklahoma’s prestigious Angie Debo Award (https://ift.tt/3kFjvLt), named after the Oklahoma historian and civil rights activist.
Tamya’s first day with the ACLU of Oklahoma will be November 23. For more information about the ACLU of Oklahoma, visit acluok.org .
Tamya Cox-Touré named new Executive Director of ACLU Oklahoma Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
OKLAHOMA CITY – Supportive Services For Veteran Families (SSVF),operated through Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma has successfully achieved its goal to house 100 homeless veterans in 30 days through an $830,000 grant as part of CARES Act funding.
As a result, SSVF needs landlords to step up and help those veterans get into more long-term housing.
“We housed more than 100 veterans in less than two months and have more than 500 homeless veterans in our program now,” said Senior Program Manager for SSVF and Navy Veteran Tanya Howard.
“Over 100 of these veterans are in hotels around the city because we are having an issue finding enough landlords who will take in our veterans for the longer term,” Howard added.
SSVF is a program that works to rapidly re-house veteran families and those at risk of homelessness. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes grants available to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives to provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other mainstream benefits that promote housing stability and community integration. (https://www.okgoodwill.org/what-we-do/ssvf)
Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (https://ift.tt/3pAZxFx) started the SSVF grant program in 2014 and serves over 400 Oklahoma veterans a year who are experiencing homelessness or are on the brink of homelessness.
Many veterans served through SSVF have rental barriers and limited or no income that impact their ability to find long-term affordable housing. In addition, the federal eviction moratorium (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf)
is in place through the end of the year and more veterans are losing jobs because of COVID-19.
“With the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen a significant increase in the percentage of unemployed veterans spiking from 4.1 percent to 13.3 percent with single veteran mothers impacted greatly,” said Jim Priest, Goodwill President and Chief Executive Officer.
Through Goodwill, the SSVF program provides temporary supportive services including paying rent and utilities for six months, penalties and fees, deposits, moving costs, transportation, childcare, food, furniture, job placement and more to maintain long-term housing stability.
A caseworker is assigned to each veteran to give them individualized services to help them become stable enough to live on their own.
Services are available at no cost to veterans and their families in Canadian, Logan, Seminole, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties.
Veteran Michael Patton went through the SSVF program a year and a half ago after living out on the streets and contemplating suicide.
Patton recalled, "I went through the VA, and the VA connected me to Goodwill, and the first day I walked in there, they opened their arms and said, 'well what can we do for you?’”
Patton is now a full-time store associate at Goodwill in Midwest City and lives in an apartment near his job.
"It really feels like they saved my life, and I'm going to be forever grateful to Goodwill," Patton said.
Through Goodwill, SSVF is hoping to find more landlords in the community willing to rent apartments, houses or duplexes to veterans working to get back on their feet.
“We’ve forged great relationships with local hotels,” Howard said. “As a result, they’ve seen firsthand the challenges this population faces. While we are so grateful to these hotel owners taking them in during this scary time, these veterans deserve a home of their own.”
A community-based, nonprofit agency, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma has one outlet store, 24 retail stores, 17 attended donation centers, and a Job Connection Center serving central Oklahoma, Ada and Ardmore.
Goodwill funds job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items.
To learn more about SSVF or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit okgoodwill.org.
Operated through Goodwill, Supportive Services for Veteran Families asks landlords to help homeless veterans get into long-term housing. Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK Aaron Sorkin and Kristin Chenoweth partner for new Masters in Screen Acting program master classes11/16/2020
OKLAHOMA CITY – Academy and four-time Emmy Award winner Aaron Sorkin (“The Social Network,” “The West Wing,” Broadway’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”) will join Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth (“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Wicked,” “Pushing Daisies”) to present guest lectures for the newly created Master’s in Screen Acting program (https://ift.tt/3kAnLfo) from Oklahoma City University and London’s Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA).
OCU School of Theatre Dean Mark Parker and Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) Principal Adrian Hall announced the news this week.
Based in both London and Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, ALRA is a drama school that provides high quality acting and directing training. The program, which will prepare graduates to work professionally in film, television and other recorded media, will begin in January 2021.
The two-year program will feature master classes led by industry professionals, including Sorkin and Chenoweth, an OCU alumna.
Year one of the program will start with hands-on learning in Los Angeles’ historic Culver City, including internship opportunities at L.A. film industry companies. During the second year, students will study in London at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts.
Students will learn how to develop, pitch, and produce their own content and gain invaluable experience working alongside and networking with industry professionals (actors, directors, casting directors, agents, and producers) in both L.A. and London.
Applications are now being accepted. Details for submission of an audition and materials can be found at okcu.edu/mfa-screen-acting.
“I am so thrilled to have Aaron Sorkin join OCU’s invaluable Master’s in Screen Acting program,” Chenoweth stated. “With his incredible success writing for stage, screen and television, I know he can provide students with his unique perspective on adapting to the very different skills required for each format.”
Sorkin won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA and Writer’s Guild Awards for “The Social Network” and received Academy Award nominations for his screenplays for “Molly’s Game” and “Moneyball.” His other films include “Steve Jobs” (Golden Globe Award), “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “The American President,” “Malice” and “A Few Good Men.”
Sorkin’s television credits include “The West Wing” (Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive seasons), “The Newsroom,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and “Sports Night.” His Broadway credits include “A Few Good Men,” “The Farnworth Invention” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
“The way we consume entertainment has changed in ways we could not have imagined just a few years ago,” Sorkin said. “This important new master’s degree program not only provides students with direct contact with industry leaders but helps them develop and produce their own content to stand out in a crowded market.”
An Emmy Award winner for “Pushing Daisies” and Tony Award winner for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” Chenoweth was also nominated for Tony Awards for “Wicked” and “On the Twentieth Century.”
She has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award for her role on “Glee.” Her additional television credits include “The West Wing,” “The Music Man,” “GCB,” “The Good Wife,” “Hairspray Live!” “Trial & Error,” “BoJack Horseman,” “A Christmas Love Story,” and “The Biggest Star in Appleton.” Her film credits include “Running with Scissors,” “Stranger than Fiction,” “The Pink Panther,” “RV,” “Hard Sell” and “The Witches.”
Additional program guest speakers include: Krystal Joy Brown, currently playing Eliza Hamilton in “Hamilton” on Broadway; Emma Ago, director of development at MadRiver Pictures; Austin Leshay, talent agent at Hyperion; Mark Morikawa, manager at MGMT Entertainment; Dia Frampton, recording artist and actress; Siena Oberman, producer at Artemis Pictures.
Other featured program speakers will be Aaron Brown, manager at Avalon Management; Nora May, manager at 3 Arts Entertainment; McCrae Dunlap, manager of development at FanFare; Sean Woods, manager at Fourward; and Erin Dicker, producer at BrooklynWorks Films.
Jesse|James Films, the production company headed by Jesse Murphy and James Sears Bryant has partnered with OCU to provide first-hand experiences for the students with industry professionals.
For more information, contact [email protected] or visit okcu.edu/mfa-screen-acting.
Aaron Sorkin and Kristin Chenoweth partner for new Master’s in Screen Acting program master classes Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
When we talk about education and appropriations, many Oklahomans think we’re only talking about K-12 schools.
I’d like to break down state education funding in the budget and the various agencies under the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. While some of the entities within this subcommittee also receive federal funding, we’re going to look at the state dollars that go into education. The Education Subcommittee receives the lion’s share of all state funding—51.2 percent of the total state appropriated dollars, or $3.9 billion for Fiscal Year 2021.
The State Department of Education (SDE) accounts for 39 percent of total state appropriations, receiving just over $2.9 billion. Of that amount, $32.million was appropriated for the increased annual cost of flexible health benefits, and $11.7 million went for two months of the teacher pay raise that was approved in 2019. Moving forward, we must protect those commitments.
Higher Education is the next highest category in that subcommittee, receiving $770.4 million, which accounts for 10 percent of the total state appropriation. I think it’s important to point out that the average cost of mandatory tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students is over $2,000 lower compared to other schools in the Big 12. We’re able to offer excellence in education at a competitive cost—an investment that is important to students, their families and our entire state.
CareerTech made up two percent of the state appropriation, receiving more than $137.4 million. Last year, their campuses had an enrollment of 455,124. Coupled with Higher Education, our CareerTechs are helping us increase the number of Oklahomans with post-secondary educations, increasing students’ earning potential throughout their lives, and helping grow our state’s economy.
Next, we come to the Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The mission of this agency is to grow and diversify the state’s economy through technology development, transfer and commercialization. This agency received $13.7 million for the current budget year, and it’s an investment that pays dividends. Every $1 Oklahoma invests results in $22 returned to the state through wages, capital investments, and revenue growth.
$8.3 million was appropriated to Oklahoma’s Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO), which manages state assets, providing additional education funding for our state. CLO manages 750 surface acres and 1.1 million mineral acres, and more than $2.2 billion in permanent trust investments. In Fiscal Year 2020, CLO distributed $127 million to K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
Oklahoma’s School of Science and Math (OSSM) received an appropriation of $6 million. This is a public school created to give our state’s best and brightest students a college-based curriculum in a residential facility. There are 148 students currently enrolled at OSSM—all 32 faculty members hold master’s degrees and 91 percent of the faculty holds a doctorate in their academic area.
The Department of Libraries (ODL) received an appropriation of $4.3 million in the current budget. ODL serves the information and records management needs of state government, assists with public library development, coordinates library and information technology projects for the state, and serves the general public through specialized collections. In FY ‘20, 101,659 interlibrary loans were processed through ODL.
As Oklahoma works to improve our public health, having access to medical care, particularly in rural Oklahoma, is a top priority. The Physician Manpower Training Commission (PMTC) provides scholarships for rural medical residencies, physician assistant and nursing students, and provides loan repayment for physicians and physician assistants. In the current budget, PMTC received $6.9 million.
The Oklahoma Arts Council received $2.7 million in state appropriations this year, continuing their mission to boost economic development, cultural enrichment and arts education throughout our state. In FY ‘20, the Arts Council awarded 550 grants totaling more than $2.7 million to 88 communities in 49 counties throughout the state through a competitive grant process. In my own district, they help make things like the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival possible. Events like this are incredibly important for economic development in our communities.
Finally, the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) received $2.7 million. With more than 650,000 viewers tuning into OETA weekly, it’s the most watched public broadcasting service in the country. OETA broadcasts to all 77 counties, including providing programing to rural areas that may not receive a signal from any other sources. The goal is that every citizen in Oklahoma can be informed, no matter where they live or what their income is.
Combined, these entities provide a range of educational opportunities for individuals, families and communities in the 21st Century. The education dollars we appropriate are an investment in Oklahoma’s future.
NOTE: Thompson, R-Okemah, is chairmen of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He wrote, “If you have any questions about the budget or the appropriations process, I invite you to contact me at 405-521-5588 or email [email protected] . Thank you.”
Oklahoma State Budget Breakdown: Focus on Education Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
OKLAHOMA CITY – This holiday season, wreaths handcrafted by a Curbside Chronicle vendor provides meaningful employment to someone transitioning out of homelessness. All proceeds from wreath sales support the Curbside Chronicle program at the Homeless Alliance. (https://ift.tt/36B3ZLK)
Pre-order today at (curbsideflowers.org).
Pre-ordered wreaths will be available for pick up (https://www.curbsideflowers.org/about) November 24, 25, 27, 28, 30 and December 1 at the soon-to-open Curbside Chronicle’s flower shop, located at 522 N. Classen Blvd. Suite 100.
Supplies are limited. Wreaths purchases can only be guaranteed for those who (pre-order online (https://ift.tt/3npHtMH) by Friday, November 20.
Everyone who purchases a wreath will get an exclusive sneak peek of the organization’s new brick-and-mortar flower shop located at N.W. 5th and Classen, opening in December.
The wreath program is sponsored by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Citizens Bank of Edmond, Downtown OKC Partnership, Fowler Automotive, and Verbode.
To order or for more information, contact the Curbside Chronicle at 405-881-5562 or [email protected] .
College is something that many Curbside Chronicle vendors never thought was within reach. But with the support of many people and organizations in the community, 11 vendors now hold a college certificate from OSU-OKC.
The college certificate program is sponsored by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, which provided the flower shop’s initial funding. OSU-OKC and the Inasmuch Foundation provided full scholarships and support to make this academic achievement possible.
The dream became possible also through support from community individuals.
Curbside Chronicle posted on its Facebok Page (https://www.facebook.com/CurbsideOKC).
“You have stood by Curbside and our vendors for seven years. You’ve bought our magazine, made friends with the people selling it, shown us an outpouring of support for all of our crazy, big ideas, and given us the courage to keep fighting for low-barrier employment and housing. Because everyone deserves these opportunities. Everyone.”
Curbside Flowers will be a full-service flower shop providing employment to people transitioning out of homelessness in Oklahoma City. Curbside Flowers will offer flower delivery, a retail shop, and custom event floral for everything from parties and galas to weddings and showers. Sign-up to receive notifications about the shop’s opening this December at CurbsideFlowers.org .
Although this is a significant milestone for Curbside vendors and moves the organization one step closer to opening their flower shop, the organization still needs the public’s help.
“Before we can open Curbside Flowers, we need a vehicle,” a Curbside Chronicle Facebook page post stated. “Having our own delivery van will allow us to offer daily floral deliveries across the OKC metro and provide year-round employment and training for people transitioning out of homelessness.
“Several fundraisers that were meant to benefit Curbside Flowers were cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. We’re asking for your help making up for this loss in revenue. Will you help us secure a delivery vehicle and employ people working to end their homelessness,” the post asked.
Donations can be made online towards the purchase of a delivery vehicle at this GoFundMe page (https://ift.tt/333Qp2L)
.
Pick up the November Curbside Chronicle (https://www.thecurbsidechronicle.org/issue-68)
today for just $2 from the vendors in green throughout Oklahoma City of learn more at facebook.com/CurbisdeOKC.
Curbside Chronicle holiday wreath sales help end homelessness in Oklahoma City Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
The University of Oklahoma is calling upon the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and the District Court of Paris to uphold a landmark settlement regarding possession of Camille Pisarro’s Shepherdess Bringing in Sheep (1886).
A settlement between OU, which received the painting in a gift from a family that had acquired the art in a good faith purchase after the Second World War, received worldwide acclaim in the international arts community as a model for how to fairly and justly settle modern-day art restitution cases.
French claimant Leone Meyer, who previously agreed to the terms of the settlement, is now seeking to renege on the legal agreement.
“This misguided attempt to undo the U.S.-French museum-sharing agreement should be alarming to the cultural and international community,” President Joseph Harroz, Jr. and OU Foundation President Guy Patton said in a joint statement on November 3.
“We are confident that the U.S. and French courts will enforce the settlement agreement – which they have previously approved – as it ensures the painting’s history and beauty will continue to be shared with the people of both Oklahoma and France.”
The terms of the written and signed mutual agreement were ratified by U.S. and French courts and ensured that Shepherdess Bringing in Sheep would be perpetually and publicly exhibited on a three-year rotating schedule between the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Musée d'Orsay in France. (https://ift.tt/3f2epaV)
This arrangement for public display was important to OU and – based on her prior comments – also to Ms. Meyer. The objective stated at the time of the accord was that students, art lovers and the general public, both in France and Oklahoma, could learn and experience the beauty and historical memories that this painting contributes to the world.
Since 2016, OU, the OU Foundation and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art have fully complied with the court orders.
Hoping to revisit the settlement, lawyers for Meyer – whose family possessed the painting before it was looted by Nazis during World War II – issued a summons to OU in October of this year.
OU received the painting in 2000 as a donation from the Weitzenhoffer Family, who acquired the painting more than a decade after the War in what parties to that transaction have described as a “good faith” exchange.
In a quote cited November 4 in the OU Daily (https://ift.tt/3lxqwiT), art restitution expert Lynn Nicholas said she “couldn’t understand” why Meyer was now seeking to change the agreed-upon settlement.
“Everybody thought it was the perfect restitution agreement that could be made,” Nicholas said. “There were a number of good-faith buyers who gave it to the museum.”
After a contentious earlier time: In reaching the settlement in 2016, Ms. Meyer expressed gratitude to the OU Foundation for its graciousness, kindness, sensitivity and accommodation of her family heritage. At Ms. Meyer’s and the Foundation’s joint request – the U.S. Federal Court entered an order confirming the settlement. The courts of France thereafter entered an order likewise recognizing it as final and non-appealable.
The agreement was heralded as a first-of-its-kind U.S.-France international art sharing agreement.
Now, concerns are raised in legal proceedings both in France and the U.S.
Courts in both nations put a stamp of approval on the accord.
The settlement agreement was heralded as a model by arts and cultural leaders worldwide
because it is consistent with the Washington Principles and the Alliance of American
Museums (AAM) Guidelines, which the parties followed to mutually resolve the modern-day art
ownership claim.
As the AAM Guidelines counsel, in achieving the Pissarro settlement, the parties shared the historical provenance research, balanced the goals of addressing modern-day claims with the present-day owner’s good faith, and thus, reached a resolution acknowledged as fair and just.
OU defends highly-praised international arts agreement: An Analysis Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK Trait Thompson to succeed Bob Blackburn as Executive Director of Oklahoma Historical Society11/14/2020
OKLAHOMA CITY — After a year-long search, the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors has selected Trait Thompson to succeed Dr. Bob Blackburn as executive director. He will begin on January 4, 2021.
Dr. Deena Fisher, president of the OHS Board of Directors, thanked all the candidates who applied, but stated that “Thompson has a unique combination of skill sets that will help the OHS complete major projects now and tackle new challenges in the future.
“Trait has a master’s degree in public administration, experience as an educator and a proven record of managing a complex historical project with a budget exceeding $200 million,” said Fisher. “Plus, he clearly demonstrated to us that he has a passion for Oklahoma history.”
"I am humbled and excited by the confidence the board has placed in me,” said Thompson. “Over the past 10 years of my public service, I have had numerous opportunities to collaborate with the staff of the OHS and I have always been exceedingly impressed by the incredible professionals who work here.
“Dr. Blackburn has been a friend and mentor to me, and I am ready to embrace the challenge of following in his rather large footsteps,” Thompson added.
In 2014, Thompson was named Project Manager of the State Capitol Restoration Project by Preston Doerflinger, Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Prior to that, Trait served as Legislative Director and Senior Policy Advisor to former President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman in the Oklahoma Senate.
According to the press release, while working with Sen. Bingman during that four-year period, “Thompson read every bill submitted to the senate, met with citizens from across the state and learned how to work with others to achieve shared goals.”
For the past six years, Trait has been the project manager for the Oklahoma Capitol Restoration Project, overseeing the preservation and restoration of the State Capitol.
In addition to his service in state government, Trait has worked in the business consulting, nonprofit, and telecommunications fields. He graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2000 with a degree in Finance and from Texas A&M University in 2007 with a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Thompson is also an adjunct professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Oklahoma.
Joining the Oklahoma Historical Society staff as editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma in 1980, Blackburn became deputy director for agency operations in 1990 and has been its executive director since 1999.
Blackburn has written or co-authored more than 20 books and numerous articles, journal entries, and screen plays. He is a constant source of historical information to the media and has appeared numerous times on The History Channel.
He was a principal player in planning and building the Oklahoma History Center and has served on numerous national and regional boards and committees, including the Western History Association, the Oklahoma Association of Professional Historians, and Leadership Oklahoma City.
In retirement, Blackburn plans to continue writing books and serving the community.
“I have watched the OHS evolve over the past 41 years, and I have full confidence that Trait Thompson is the right person at the right time to work with a unified board, an exceptional staff and dedicated donors and legislators to keep the OHS moving forward in its mission to collect, preserve and share Oklahoma history,” Blackburn stated.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.
Trait Thompson to succeed Bob Blackburn as Executive Director of Oklahoma Historical Society Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
OKLAHOMA CITY – Celebrate this year’s holiday season with friends and loved ones while supporting conservation and tree planting with the help of the Arbor Day Foundation.
“The holidays are a time for thinking about others, and as you do, take a moment to think about what you can do to protect the beauty and splendor of the Earth,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We encourage everyone to give gifts that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, celebrate and nurture trees.
The following items are offered for this holiday season:
Give-A-Tree® cards from the Arbor Day Foundation offer a special holiday giving opportunity with conservation benefits that will endure for generations. And again, this year, Give-A-Tree cards can be purchased individually and with customized text. Cards can be purchased for $6.95.
Purchasing the Arbor Day Foundation’s coffee helps preserve rain forests in Central and South America. The Foundation’s coffee, a part of the Rain Forest Rescue® program, is shade-grown under the canopy of Latin American rain forests. Unlike sun-grown coffee farms, this traditional shade-grown method gives the coffee a rich and delicious flavor. Cost per bag is $18.94, including shipping.
The Foundation’s Trees in Celebration program allows the giver to honor loved ones while supporting crucial conservation efforts. For every two dollars donated, one tree is planted in a high-need forest, and recipients are given a certificate showing them where the trees were planted.
The Trees in Memory (https://ift.tt/36Anzrv) program will honor friends and loved ones with the gift of tress planted in one of the nation’s forests.
Forests provide wildlife habitat, natural beauty and recreational opportunities. They filter the air and water, and they are vital to life as we know it. Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s reforestation efforts (https://ift.tt/35sLjyu). Give the gift of membership (https://ift.tt/3f7LC56) with the Arbor Day Foundation. Recipients will be sent 10 free trees, which will be shipped at the right time of year for planting. Memberships begin with a $10 contribution.
Membership packages also include tree and shrub discounts in the Online Tree Nursery, a subscription to the Arbor Day bimonthly newsletter, and The Tree Book, a useful guide to planting and caring for your trees
Holiday gift stocking stuffers (https://ift.tt/3njls1Y) include t-shirts, hats, keychains, socks, candles, caps, 16 ounce 'swiggy' bottles, puzzles, journals, and stainless steel straw sets.
To purchase holiday gifts that give back to the planet, visit arborday.org/november .
To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s many programs, go to arborday.org.
Arbor Day Foundation offers holiday gifts for family and friends Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK In the Hefner sun greeting a veteran and chatting with artists Elders and an energetic trio walked11/13/2020
Oklahoma City – The splendor of resurgent nature drew three youngsters to Lake Hefner for a Veterans Day adventure – two lads of early elementary age, and a lass age two – accompanied by their grandparents for a pleasant 90 minutes.
All this, without electronic devices. Unless, that is, you count Opa’s cellphone, doubling as a camera, Oma’s flip-phone, and that portable device, fully-charged to allow for youthful photography, carried by one of the boys.
Evidence of the recent early winter storm was evident every step along the trail. Park crews had already cleared a lot of debris, yet the denser parts of the woods bore clear evidence of ravaged trees with shattered limbs, some stalwarts that will never again bear leaves reaching for the sky while waving in the wind and guarding the shore.
A wide variety of water fowl frequented the quiet cove where the walk began, diving for nourishment and contesting once over something vaguely territorial.
The boys identified a range of colors in trees they had studied, the day before, in science class.
Oaks, White Birches, Red Buds, and Magnolias – sunflowers, bushes, conifers, large and small. A dozen or two walkers, a few bikers, a working man cleaning inside and around the porta-potty near the parking lot.
At water’s edge Ducks and Geese scurried at the walkers’ approach, but responded eagerly to offered treats of barley.
Along the trail, the youngsters visit a Korean War-Era veteran, an elderly gentleman walking “Bella” – a miniature canine with high “cute” quotient. While the kids fawned over the little creature, Opa spoke with the fellow, thanking him for his service. A beautiful moment, indeed.
Along a spur of the trail, artists Dylan Bradway and Brooke Rowlands worked creatively in preparation for the November 12 formal launch of a “funky floral mural” on vertical spaces of the skate park adjoining Stars and Stripes Park, 3701 South Lake Hefner Drive.
Responding to a reporter’s query, Parks and Recreaton Director Doug Kupper said, “We love it anytime we can introduce art into our park system. The Funky Floral mural that is underway at Stars and Stripes skate park adds a fun pop of color to the area.”
As for the quiet journey of the youthful walkers and their two elder companions/sentinels, all good things must come to an end, but first: Released from the confines of her stroller, the little lass joined the two lads in the sandy soil alongside the South Hefner trail for long moments, enjoying the touch of the granules, burying their hands wrist-deep in cooperative soil.
The trio then walked along, hand-in-hand, following Oma back to the parking lot.
Opa lingered behind, watching them. His heart filled with memories of days long-gone, and reminisced over his own days of yore – biking or, later, driving around the north side of a growing city and, occasionally, venturing as far as the shores of Hefner.
Then, in high school days, Lake Hefner was the site of long runs – not Marathons, mind you, but miles enough.
Now, he walks rather slowly, with a cane or even two. Three or four blocks is sometimes the extent of it, but all the strolls are good, these days.
This one will be cherished until memory fades.
Bursts of flames in the trees – golden, a bold brown, red and even purple in the sun – were leavened by lingering green. It was enough to … warm the heart, quiet the spirit and gentle the soul, a welcome respite from the broader tumult.
Note: Founder of CapitolBeatOK.com, an online news service based in Oklahoma City, and publisher of The City Sentinel, an independent and locally-owned newspaper, Pat McGuigan is a journalist and educator.
In the Hefner sun, greeting a veteran and chatting with artists, Elders and an energetic trio walked Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK |
Pat McGuiganThe dean of all Oklahoma Journalism, Mr Patrick McGuigan; has a rich history of service in many aspects of both covering the news and producing the information that the public needs to know. Archives
September 2021
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